Experimental study on mechanical properties of groundnut shell particle-reinforced epoxy composites

• Published in: Journal of reinforced plastics and composites 2011-06, Vol.30 (12), p.1029-1037
• Main Authors: Raju, G.U., Kumarappa, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Boards; Composites; Epoxy resins; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Groundnuts; Mechanical properties; Particulate composites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Shells; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0731-6844; 1530-7964
• DOI: 10.1177/0731684411410761

In recent years, there is a growing interest in the use of bio-fibers as reinforcements for thermoplastics and thermosets. A lot of research work has been performed all over the world on the use of natural fibers such as flax, bamboo, sisal, hemp, and jute as reinforcing materials for the preparation of various types of composites. In this study, the agricultural residue such as groundnut shell particles were chemically modified and added to the polymer to form novel bio-based composites. Composite boards were fabricated by randomly distributed groundnut shell particles of different grain sizes and epoxy resin with volume percentages of 70:30, 65:35, and 60:40. The composites prepared were characterized for some mechanical properties according to ASTM standards. The highest tensile strength, tensile modulus, MOR, and impact strength were observed for the sample having groundnut shell particles and epoxy resin proportion 60:40 and 0.5 mm particle size. However, the sample with 60:40 particles and resin proportion and 1 mm particle size has maximum MOE. Moisture absorption test reveals that water absorption decreases with increase in epoxy content. The results of this study showed that composite could be successfully developed using groundnut shell particles and epoxy which would be a substitute for wood-based material in many applications.